Title
a. Receive a preliminary referral response to Board Referral No. 2025.13 (Development of a Countywide Facility Naming Policy); and
b. Present new Board Policy G-148:
i. Proceed with approval of the Board Policy;
ii. Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by board;
iii. Rescind referral.
c. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary referral response to Board Referral No. 2025.13 (Development of a Countywide Facility Naming Policy); and
b. Present new Board Policy G-148:
i. Proceed with approval of the Board Policy;
ii. Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by board;
iii. Rescind referral.
c. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION - PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:
Background
There is currently no comprehensive County policy governing the naming of County-owned or County-operated facilities. While Board Policy G-149 provides guidance for naming facilities and programs at Natividad Medical Center, no equivalent framework applies to other County departments or facilities. County Board Policy G-148 is a County Asset Memorialization Policy which establishes procedures, guidelines and fees related to naming of eligible County Assets in memory of individuals and formalizes the Board of Supervisors' direct control and final approval of such naming efforts. Facilities naming efforts, such as the SHARE Center in Salinas, utilized an intentional public process. In contrast, other projects, including the Watsonville Tiny Homes Navigation Center, moved forward without consistent criteria or public engagement. A comprehensive countywide naming policy would promote equity, consistency, transparency, and community trust. The absence of a comprehensive naming policy presents risks including inconsistent naming practices across departments, potential disputes over facility names, lack of transparency in naming de...
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